Bookings Spike Brits Look For Merry Christmas

A leading holiday home rentals website has reported a 20 per cent increase in bookings, despite the UK's struggling economy and reduced consumer spending.

Bookings for UK destinations are also on the rise as families look for locations to spend Christmas and New Year without breaking the bank.

Andrew Gibson, managing director of www.directholidaybookings.co.uk, attributes this surge in bookings to families searching for more affordable holiday options over the Christmas and New Year festive period.

He said: "Many people want to escape the doom and gloom back home by going abroad for some sunshine or looking for alternative UK destinations for a much-needed change of scene.

"As far as the UK's concerned, not surprisingly, Scotland is proving to be very popular as we have some fantastic properties available there and people want to see in the New Year with a traditional Hogmanay party.

"It seems that people are more determined than ever to make the most of the festive season and are instead being a lot savvier when booking a holiday by opting for low cost alternatives such as rented accommodation.

"Renting a property instead of staying in pricey hotels means that the whole family can gather in one place for the festive season, enjoying a well deserved break without spending a fortune. For many people, Christmas is the only time of year completely free from work pressures and they are keen to make the most of it."

The team at www.directholidaybookings.co.uk also put the recent spike in bookings down to the fact that many couples are choosing to go on holiday instead of spending on Christmas gifts this year.

Andrew continues: "Everybody is feeling the pinch at the moment, but rather than miss out on a holiday, the feedback we've received suggests that couples in particular would rather forgo Christmas gifts and treat each other to a holiday instead."

Direct Holiday Bookings list over 40,000 properties globally and accommodate for all budgets. Listing is free for property owners and users of the site liaise with owners directly when booking accommodation.